Are you ready to step into a tapestry of vibrant spices, bustling markets, and ancient wonders? Join me and Experience Morocco June 15 – 24, 2024 for an enchanting luxury trip and vegan journey to the African country.
You’ll lose yourself in the winding labyrinths of Marrakech’s medinas, meet locals while shopping for handcrafted treasures, sip mint tea, explore the ancient history of cities with private guides, be awestruck by stunning sunsets, feast on amazing vegan options of Moroccan food, indulge in five-star luxury accommodations and so much more.
This isn’t just a trip with me, it’s an immersion into a tapestry of culture that will touch all of your senses and leave a lasting imprint on your heart with vegan travelers (but non-vegans are welcome, too!). So, pack your bags and let’s go!
Vegan Morocco itinerary at-a-glance
Begin your trip in Morocco’s bustling city Casablanca, where you’ll be picked up from the airport and driven to Rabat, the Kingdom’s Capital, for an overnight. Then, you’ll continue on to the ancient city of Fes, where you’ll uncover centuries-old traditions and immerse yourself in the lively markets and a unique charm for three memorable nights. Afterward, make your way to the enchanting Marrakech, where you’ll have three delightful nights to explore a blend of historical and modern neighborhoods in the Ochre City.
The trip wraps up far from the major cities, with a journey to the Atlas Mountains, offering a wonderful chance to experience the Berber lifestyle and unwind for a couple of tranquil days before bidding farewell to Morocco. Throughout your Moroccan holiday, you’ll have local tour guides with insider knowledge, enjoy local food (all vegan meals) and local products, and meet local people.
Day One // June 15 – Arrival to Casablanca
Upon landing at the Casablanca airport, you’ll have VIP Fast Track service to whisk you through the customs process. Then, you’ll meet your Experience Morocco guide to take you via private vehicle to Rabat, the historical capital of Morocco. After checking in to the hotel, you’ll have time to freshen up before joining the group for a welcome dinner at the hotel with flavorful vegan dishes.
Approx. Driving time: ~ 1.5 hours // Meals: Dinner // Overnight: Fairmont La Marina Rabat*
Day Two // June 16 – Meknes and Fes
After an early breakfast, you’ll explore the city’s key sights before heading out to Meknes, en route to Fes. You’ll enjoy a vegan lunch at a local vineyard that includes a tour of the property, wine tasting and delicious dishes made with fresh products. Here, you’ll sample the famous Moroccan vin gris (gray wine), alongside a wide selection of wines. Then, it’s on to Fes. After arriving in later afternoon, you’ll check in to the hotel and then have dinner there.
Approx. Driving time: ~ 4 hours // Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner // Overnight: Hotel Sahrai*
Day Three // June 17 – Historical Fes
After breakfast, you’ll depart for a jam-packed day of touring with your guide! Founded in 781AD, Fes is now considered the world’s largest car-free urban zone. As you explore the alleyways, you’ll also have the chance to check out a local pharmacy with its mysterious canisters of roots, flowers and powders.
Following the tour, if you’re hungry you can grab lunch on your own account (definitely try Moroccan salads while you’re here!), and then it’s off for more of Fes! You’ll visit the medina’s Jewish quarter, the Medersas. In addition, you’ll also stop by the world’s oldest and longest operating learning institution, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859AD. In late afternoon, you’ll go on a vegan food tour of Fes, where you’ll visit different food souks allowing the chance to try traditional Moroccan street food including spicy potato cakes, soups, olives and more from food vendors. You’ll investigate traditional cooking methods by visiting a furnace where the water for the communal bath house ‘hammam’ is also heated, and a 400 year old ‘furan’ or communal oven and bakery. After concluding your day’s visit, take the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast // Overnight: Hotel Sahrai*
Day Four // June 18 – Cooking and Culture in Fes
After breakfast, it’s time to learn how to cook Moroccan cuisine. The personalized vegan tagine cooking class is a delightful fusion of culture and cuisine. Your day commences with a rendezvous at the bustling souk, where you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, handpicking the freshest produce and aromatic spices alongside a knowledgeable guide at local markets. After gathering ingredients, retreat to a quaint, private kitchen for an intimate cooking session, guided by a skilled local Dada. You’ll learn the intricacies of crafting Morocco’s iconic tagine, tailored to plant-based preferences, and savor the fruits of your labor with a sumptuous lunch amid good company.
After lunch, you have the afternoon at your leisure to explore. Then, as the sun sets, you’ll indulge in a dinner experience at l’Amandier, an esteemed restaurant renowned for its refined ambiance and innovative vegan fare, culminating your day with an unforgettable feast for the senses.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (as part of the cooking class), Dinner // Overnight: Hotel Sahrai*
Day Five // June 19 – The Ochre City
Following breakfast, it’s time for the next destination: the Ochre City of Marrakech. You’ll be taken via private vehicle to Marrakech. We have arranged lunch boxes with the hotel for you to bring along on your drive to Marrakech. You’ll arrive in the early evening to Marrakech and enjoy dinner on the property.
Approx. Driving time: ~ 6 hours // Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner // Overnight: Villa des Orangers*
Day Six // June 20 – Historical Marrakech
After breakfast at your hotel, head out for another magical day of sightseeing in Marrakech! Visit the Koutoubia Mosque (the iconic sight of Marrakech), the Bahia Palace (a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture), the Saadian tombs (an ornate resting place) and Dar El Bacha (a historic palace known for its exquisite Moroccan architecture and cultural significance). Afterwards, head to the medina for lunch (incl.), followed by afternoon visits of the medina and the souks. Delve into the myriad pathways of the Souk, which refers to the markets. The markets of Marrakech are located in a serpentine set of alleyways which your expert guide will lead you through. You’ll see the different sections, including the stalls where fresh produce, baked goods, spices, and herbs are sold.
In the evening, visit the famous Djemaa el Fna square, which becomes especially lively at night. Browse the stalls where juice vendors sell fruit juice of every flavor imaginable, and wander amongst the food stalls serving steaming tagines and more. Dinner tonight is at your leisure (not incl.)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch // Overnight: Villa des Orangers*
Day Seven // June 21 – Modern Marrakech
After breakfast, head to the stunning Majorelle Gardens for a self-guided visit. Global fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent made his second home in Marrakech for many decades, and his vision drove every detail behind the lush Gardens, accompanied by a small but must-see Berber Museum. Nextdoor, the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum honors the fashion icon’s love of Marrakech and builds upon the collections housed at the Majorelle Gardens.
After taking in the beauty of the gardens and museums, savor a day of relaxation and culinary delights in Marrakech. Start with a satisfying lunch at Plus 61 (incl.), blending international flavors with Moroccan charm. Then, enjoy free time all afternoon, allowing you to arrange your own Hammam and spa treatments at your property (not incl.). Cap off your day with a group dinner at Kabana Rooftop, indulging in exquisite cuisine against the backdrop of Marrakech’s skyline.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner // Overnight: Villa des Orangers
Day Eight // June 22 – Baking and the Atlas Mountains
Following breakfast, learn the art of crafting traditional Moroccon breads alongside local women with a special class at the Amal Association, an NGO dedicated to empowering women in Marrakech. Here, you’ll gain insight into their culture and community initiatives. Afterward, journey to the serene landscapes of the Atlas Mountains in Ouirgane, where the tranquil ambiance of Olinto awaits. Enjoy a delightful lunch on the property (incl.), savoring the fresh flavors of the region amidst the serene surroundings. Spend the afternoon at leisure, immersing yourself in the natural beauty surrounding the property, whether it’s strolling through lush gardens or simply basking in the peaceful atmosphere. Delight in a dinner at the property (incl.) savoring delectable cuisine infused with local flavors, a perfect culmination to a day filled with enriching experiences and breathtaking scenery.
Approx. Driving time: ~ 1.5 hours // Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner // Overnight: Olinto*
Day Nine // June 23 – The High Atlas Mountains
This day marks your introduction to a very different component of Moroccan culture: the Berber way of life in the High Atlas Mountains. After breakfast, you’ll meet our expert mountain guide who will accompany you throughout your day. The typical route is a 3-hour moderate difficulty climb into the Atlas Mountains. Here, you’ll see phenomenal landscapes and learn all about the local culture, history, and fauna / flora. The payoff to the hike comes when you settle down on the terrace of a local home, where warm mint tea and stunning views of Mt Toubkal await. The lunch break at a Berber restaurant (incl.) leaves plenty of time to admire the view. Return to the comfort of your property, where a well-deserved dinner awaits (incl.), serving as the perfect conclusion to a day filled with adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner // Overnight: Olinto*
Note: We can easily adjust the hike to instead be a leisurely guided walk through local Berber villages. You’ll have time to shop from local artisan cooperatives and admire the Berber way of life. No matter if you prefer to do the longer hike or just a short stroll, this day will be an incredible chance to learn about a unique facet of Moroccan culture
Day Ten // June 24 – Returning Home
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head via private transport to Marrakech Airport for your departure flight.
Approx. Driving time: ~ 1.5 hours // Meals: Breakfast
*Or similar 5-star luxury accommodation
Please note
Our tour serves only vegan food and we take pride in offering it. However, it’s important to keep in mind that most Moroccans do not adopt a vegan lifestyle. During your stay, you may come across situations where animals are involved in routine daily activities and more. Our commitment is to deliver a travel experience that is characterized by compassion and mindfulness. This includes a sincere acknowledgment of the local culture and practices, even if they may differ from vegan principles. We encourage understanding and respect for the cultural context, while still ensuring a vegan-friendly journey for our participants. The trip is open to everyone — you are not required to be vegan to join us.
Who should come on this trip?
Anyone with a desire to be around a group of people who want to explore Morocco. The way of life in the country is not like the USA. Therefore, it’s important that travelers visit with an open-mind and understand that the culture and lifestyle is not the same. You will likely see animals being used to cart goods and in markets, as well as leather goods. In addition, it’s important that anyone joining this trip is open-minded, patient and understanding. Not everyone on the trip may be vegan. However, we do ask that while with the group, no animal products are consumed. Please be courteous of those who have different view points. This is a group of strangers traveling together who will become friends — remember kindness is key. And so is travel insurance. We recommend World Nomads.
Pricing
Double Occupancy – $7,300 per person (not inc. international flights)
Single Occupancy – $9,942 per person (not inc. international flights)
Cancellation policy
➔ Cancellation more than 60 days before arrival: Refund 70% of the trip cost (forfeit 30% of trip cost)
➔ Cancellation between 60-15 days before arrival: Refund 50% (forfeit 50% of trip cost)
➔ Cancellation less than 15 days before arrival: No refund (forfeit 100% of the trip cost)